about us
Shaping Futures, One Serve at a Time
Discover how ETEF combines tennis, education, and nutrition to transform lives and build stronger communities.
Our Journey
The Edmonds Tennis & Education Foundation (ETEF) was established in 2018 to honor the long tennis legacy of the late Jerry and Joan Edmonds, Sr. The mantle of tennis and youth development was assumed by Dr. Jerry Edmonds, III and his wife Dorcel Edmonds. They are affectionately known as Coach "E" and Coach "D" by the ETEF students. Dr. Edmonds earned his Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis on Marketing, from Marshall University and his Masters of Science with an emphasis on Human Service Management from Springfield College. Dr. Edmonds earned his doctoral degree in Higher Education Leadership from Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin in May, 2020.
Dr. Edmonds served as President of the Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina Chapter of Rotary International, from 2017 – 2018. Dr. Edmonds currently serves as President-Elect of the Henderson, NC Chapter of Rotary International and he is a Paul Harris Fellow. He also serves on the Mariah Parham Duke LifePoint Board of Trustees. In addition, Dr. Edmonds serves as a director on the boards of Working Landscapes, Kerr Tar Council of Governments, Turning Point, CDC, Maria Parham - Duke Lifepoint Healthcare and he currently serves as chairman of the NC IDEA, a private foundation dedicated to entrepreneurship across all North Carolina communities. Dr. Edmonds is a collaborative leader with vision, innovation and integrity.
Coach "D" is a champion of education and entrepreneurship in her own right. After earning her undergraduate degree from Marshall University , Coach "D" began her career as an early childhood educator and dedicated the majority of her career to youth development and entrepreneurship. While residing in Milwaukee WI, Dorcel founded and operated Oasis Day Spa, LLC a full-service day spa and recently launched Willow Creek Tennis Retreat, LLC and the Edmonds Tennis and Education Foundation. Jerry and Dorcel are active members of Oasis of Hope Ministries, Henderson, NC and they are the proud parents of two adult children and four grandchildren. To God Be the Glory!
Our Mission
ETEF, is a nonprofit youth development organization, dedicated to utilizing the game of tennis to provide academic and athletic opportunities for under-resourced youth throughout eastern North Carolina.
Making an Impact
ETEF’s initiatives have led to meaningful change in our community:
Over 500+ Students Reached:
Through our tennis clinics, academic programs, and nutrition support.
Improved Academic Outcomes:
With tailored tutoring and educational enrichment.
Healthier Lifestyles:
Providing access to physical activity and balanced meals.
What Our Partners Say
Our success wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our partners:
Youth Empowerment Initiative
“ETEF’s commitment to holistic youth development is unparalleled. Their programs truly transform lives and create lasting change in our community.”
Turning Point
Turning Point CDC partnered with ETEF to provide tennis instruction for our afterschool youth, earning rave reviews from students and staff. "Coach D" and the ETEF team are highly engaging and encourage students to improve their health while learning new skills.
Community Sports Alliance
“The foundation is a game-changer for young athletes and their families. We’re proud to support their mission.”
Youth Empowerment Initiative
“ETEF’s commitment to holistic youth development is unparalleled. Their programs truly transform lives and create lasting change in our community.”
Turning Point
Turning Point CDC partnered with ETEF to provide tennis instruction for our afterschool youth, earning rave reviews from students and staff. "Coach D" and the ETEF team are highly engaging and encourage students to improve their health while learning new skills.